This framework sets forth detailed proposals that are crucial to eliminating the epidemic of childhood lead poisoning in the United States. Private housing units can and must be made lead-safe, and this framework is designed to achieve that goal through specific requirements for property owners, a workable schedule, and mechanisms that reinforce and reward responsible action. Chapters 1 and 2 provide an introduction and an overview of the hazards of lead-based paint. Chapter 3 describes the universe of housing in the United States and the objectives that guided the framework's design. Chapter 4 details requirements for private property owners, which include maintenance practices, deadlines for hazard evaluation and control, and monitoring requirements. Chapter 5 describes how most private housing units can be made lead-safe in response to effective private-sector forces, while chapter 6 emphasizes the importance of state and local enforcement. Chapter 7 calls for insurers, lenders, appraisers, and the judicial system to reinforce action by owners. Chapter 8 presents a summary of the roles and responsibilities of all key players. Two appendixes provide a list of the members of the technical advisory committee and a list of 27 references. (MDM)